KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers at Coronation Market can brace for another week of fluctuating prices, with hot pepper reaching as high as $1,500 per pound, even as escallion shows a slight decrease, now selling for $800 per pound by most vendors.

In this week’s Market Bag, host Brittania Witter returned to the downtown Kingston market to hear the story of veteran vendor ‘Mama’ who has been at the facility for decades.

Vendors reported that hot pepper, which had already surged in previous weeks, continues its upward trend, with some stalls listing it at $1,200 to $1,500 per pound, depending on quality and availability.

According to vendors, recent weather disturbances and reduced supply from major farming regions have disrupted the market, creating shortages and contributing to the sharp spikes.

Many warn that unless supply conditions improve soon, customers should be prepared for more volatility in the weeks ahead, and a very expensive Christmas.